A sign blocks off one entrance to the Mobil gas station on 21st Street in Long Island City.

By Joe Anuta

TimesLedger Newspapers

Fuel-starved Queens residents hoarded gasoline this week, exacerbating the city’s petroleum shortage and ensuring long lines continued at the pump.

“The general sense is it’s getting somewhat better. It’s not getting better fast enough, but it has been getting better,,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a Tuesday news conference. “What is compounding the problem is the quote unquote panic buying.”

Queens residents waited in line for days for a chance to get at some of the precious fuel. Lines stretched for blocks. Some residents slept in their cars to try and get first crack at the pumps. Others fought each other. One man even pulled a gun on fellow motorists, according to the Queens district attorney.